Borussia Dortmund have started off 2013 brilliantly by securing long-term extensions for Neven Subotic and Sven Bender. The two become the latest stars in the side to sign lengthy contracts in the last twelve months after Mats Hummels, Mario Götze, and Jakub Blaszczykowski.
Subotic, 24, will remain in Dortmund through 2016. The Serbian centerback joined BVB from Mainz in the summer of 2008 and immediately stepped into the starting lineup where he's been ever since. His partnership with Hummels has become one of the best in Europe. In that time, he's also become a regular starter for Serbia.
Bender, 23, has signed for an extra year through 2017. The midfielder has found himself in a midfield rotation with Sebastian Kehl and Ilkay Gundogan. When he's healthy, his partnership with Gundogan is the best option for the team.
BVB are currently in La Manga, Spain for their winter camp. Sporting director Michael Zorc spoke to the media regarding the extensions. "We are delighted to have been able to tie down another two key members of our title-winning team to a long-term contract.